All right, some of you may have noticed the CPU errors we've been getting at MoGu--growing pains for a growing site! I have recoded the whole site to straight code instead of using the CMS I was using--not because it was a buggy CMS, but because I can't afford my own server, which is what the CMS deserved! Bottom line is you should notice a much quicker site, and no more errors! Thanks--stick around, we're growing like crazy!
This is probably the most common mod, and its really fairly easy. Let me give you a brief introduction to the various types of flashes/flexes that exist, and what they do. Flashing is the term we use in reference to changing the phones firmware. The various types of flashes are: flash (original), reflash (easier, newer--flashes without losing any info), and reflash_mlp (a reflash without the LP, or Language Pack included--useful if you need a language pack other than the default included with most flashes--English, French, and Spanish). Flexing refers to changing the phones files and branding. The types of flexes include: flex (original), and flexlash (an easier format) which is a flex in a flash style file (.shx), so it wont delete your saved info (pictures, contacts, etc). There is one other format we refer to as a MonsterPack (MP) which includes a boot loader, flex, and flash all in one file. This is a great starting point when flash/flexing, and a good tool if your phone ever goes kaput. Flashing with an MP is a common fix-all remedy.
::note:: its always a good idea to backup anything you ABSOLUTELY MUST KEEP from your phone (pictures, contact info, videos, songs)--none of this is guaranteed, and while we have become pretty much stable, *very rarely* there will be a time when the flex/flash doesn't go through, and you lose your saved info. This is easily fixed to get your phone working again, but the saved info will be lost. When flashing with a MonsterPack or when flexing, all saved info will be lost. Flash Backup is a great program to do this with!
So whats the point? A flash contains new software for your phone, so your phone operates better. Smoother menu navigation (and faster), often increased reception or battery life through better management of existing hardware, extra features (video is the most popular, although random tweaks are included in each flash version), etc.
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS
make sure your battery is fully charged before you do this. If your phone dies in the middle of a flash--that is
BAD BAD BAD
The only way to save it then is to flash with a Monster Pack, and that works 80% of the time. So CHARGE UP before you flash! Now...
Choose the right flash/flex for you.
This is something people fret too much over. Its a fairly easy choice, you just have to be informed. Personally, I prefer a stock Moto flash/flex (all carrier branding removed--no T-Zones or MEdiaNet icons cluttering up my phone--just says "Web Access" instead) and so I always use stock Moto material. The best way to do this is to flash with a stock Moto MonsterPack, and then reflash with the latest flash file. Its a 2 step process, and gets you up to current in your software and firmware. If you are a Cingular or T-Mobile customer, apristel has made excellent Cingular and T-Mobile MonsterPacks as well which already have all the correct settings built into them for these carriers. Check out the Download Firmware section for these files.
All right, under this is the Flash tutorial for flashing/flexing with RSD Lite, the preferred method of TheMotoGuide.
Congrats! You're ready to learn about Seem Editing!
